Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West at the operating table in a surgical gown, red cap and loupes, a member of the team opposite.

Short scar VR facelift

A shorter scar facelift for the jowls, the jawline and the mid face.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

As we age our faces go through many characteristic changes. The skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner. The ligaments supporting the facial structures relax, causing features to drop, while the natural distribution of fat in the face changes. The overall effect is a saggy face with deeper lines and creases.

In the early stages of ageing, many non-surgical treatments can hide and slow some of these signs. There often comes a time when they can no longer give the desired results and patients may consider surgical options, including a facelift.

The VR facelift is a short scar facelift, ideally suited to people with moderate jowls who want rejuvenation of the lower face and jawline. It is not a neck lift, so people with concerns about their neck are better suited to a face and neck lift. It can tighten the jawline and return volume to the mid face. In doing so it can also soften the deep lines from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds) and from the mouth to the chin (marionette lines).

In theatre
2 to 3 hours
Anaesthetic
Local
Downtime
10 to 14 days
Exercise
3 to 4 weeks
Price
From £6,495
Suited to
An ageing face, jowls, sagging or loose skin and facial descent.
How it works
Tightening the SMAS layer of the face tightens the jaw, reduces jowls and restores volume to the mid face.
The result
Natural, long-lasting rejuvenation of the jawline, lower face and mid face.
A patient under a blue drape in theatre, a member of the team beside them.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    Mr West marks the planned incisions carefully before surgery. Local anaesthetic is injected, which stings for a few seconds. Through the skin incisions, the skin is lifted off the supporting SMAS layer of the face. Permanent stitches are placed in the SMAS to provide the lift.

    Excess skin is removed and the skin is closed with a single running stitch. Antibiotic ointment is placed over the scars and a post-surgical compression dressing is put on.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

Reviews from Mr West's Google profile, published as written.

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

We will discuss this in detail at your consultation. Swelling and bruising for 1 to 2 weeks is to be expected. Infections can occur and are treated with antibiotics. You will be given a course to take after surgery. Minor bleeding can rarely happen and should stop with pressure. The scar is usually very well concealed in the natural fold of the ear and the hairline. Sometimes it can take a while to settle and regular massage helps. Minor asymmetry can happen but is rarely noticeable. Damage to the facial nerve causing weakness or paralysis of facial movement is an extremely rare complication.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

Sutures are removed after 10 days and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine after 2 weeks. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 4 weeks. Anything that makes your face red, such as bending over or lifting anything heavy, should be avoided for the first 2 weeks.

How long do the results last?

Plastic surgery cannot stop the ageing process. It resets the clock, so after surgery you will age in a similar way from a different starting point.

Will this surgery improve my neck?

The VR or short scar facelift is not designed to improve the neck. It is best for treating the jowls, the jawline and the mid face. If you have concerns about your neck, a face and neck lift is likely to be more appropriate.

When can I wash my hair?

Hair can be gently washed the day after surgery using a mild shampoo.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.